Advantages Of Legalization Of Euthanasia

970 Words4 Pages

Legalization of euthanasia
The voluntary passive euthanasia should be legalized in Hong Kong. Since based on cost and effect, the advantage of legalization of euthanasia seems more than its drawbacks. According to the theory of utilitarian, its core idea is that whether actions are morally right or wrong depends on their effects (Nathanson, unknow). For the euthanasia, it is likely beneficial to relief the burden of medical cost of government and patient’s family and help patient to relive. The research form the Food and Health Bureau (2008) reported that the population may increase over 24% percent from 2004 to 2033. The Annualized growth rate approximately 0.7%. Therefore, the public health expenditure may be increased by 276% which means …show more content…

But if the euthanasia is agreed by the patient. It is the opponent still correct? In the previous case, the type of euthanasia is called involuntary passive euthanasia (IPE). This type of euthanasia is more likely a murder. Therefore, it may not be allowed. But of the patient agree to dead, this type of euthanasia is called voluntary euthanasia, which also fit to the theory Kantian. Kantian emphasizes on the rights of patient, and anatomy. According to Dan Brock, PhD, Director of the University Program in Ethics and Health at the Harvard Medical School, wrote in an article titled "Voluntary Active Euthanasia" in the Mar.-Apr. 1992 issue of The Hastings Center …show more content…

Since according to Hippocratic Oath (North, 2002) which is for physician to swear, by a number of healing gods, to uphold specific ethical standards. In Oath, writer have mentioned that “First do no harm” that means all physician may not be do anything that may hurt the patient including withdrawing treatment, taking action to end somebody’s life. And all health related workers in Hong Kong are asked to follow this rule. Base on the definition of VPE, applying it on patient seems to be infringe the principle. Also, the duty of physicians is more likely to save patient instead of stop patient to life ether patient is voluntary nor not. In order to allow the rule of Oath, VPE may not be allowed in Hong

Open Document